Jim Sanders, a native of Natchez born and raised in Ward 1, is a candidate in the race to become the next Alderman in Ward 1.

Sanders is the oldest of five children born to James E. and Reba Burt Sanders, all of whom attended school in Natchez. He graduated from Natchez High School and went on to complete an associate in arts degree with a certificate in accounting at Co-Lin Junior College in Wesson.

Sanders married the former Dorothy Grace of Natchez and they have three grown children, Deborah “Cheri” Sanders, Keith Edward Sanders and John Benjamin “Benjie” Sanders. They have nine grandchildren, all living in Natchez.

After a short banking career in Natchez, Sanders studied Traffic and Transportation Management with LaSalle Extension University of Chicago, and College of Advanced Traffic in Atlanta. Having worked with various companies he later became corporate traffic manager with a large Fortune 500 company in Atlanta.

Sanders and his family returned to Natchez in 1980 where he owned his own business for 15 years, more recently retiring from Fruit of the Loom in Vidalia.

Sanders taught Transportation Freight Claims at Atlanta Area Technical College; is a graduate Institute of Management Development; member Industrial Management Club; Board of Directors American Heart Association; Past President of Mississippi Drycleaners Association; Past Commissioner Natchez Water Works; former member of Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce and Vidalia Chamber of Commerce; long-time Sunday School teacher and Christian Lay Speaker, and ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church.

“I have had a long time commitment to the future of Natchez and Adams County,” Sanders said. “I want to see a bright future for our children and grandchildren so that they can stay in this area and raise their families. We have natural resources that contribute to a healthy climate for businesses to locate and grow. Our schools offer quality education with the advantage of obtaining from Co-Lin Community College and Alcorn University.

“As your next alderman I will strive to work for all people. I will work with local officials to help our community grow, by attracting companies to establish here and avail themselves of our diverse and available work force,” Sanders said. “I want to work toward improvements in Ward 1 with streets, playgrounds, and affordable housing.

“I will also work toward keeping our community clean, not only during tourist season, but year round.”